Implications for practice and research

This study provides some evidence that adequate breastfeeding may protect against extremes in childhood body mass index (BMI)
and adiposity.

Further research is needed to explore the differences noted at the upper and lower percentiles of BMI and adiposity.

Context

This study addresses the relationship between breastfeeding in infancy and being overweight or obese in childhood. In some
previous studies, it has been found that breastfed infants are less likely to become overweight or obese in later life, while
in others, the opposite has been found. Other studies have found no difference in rates of overweight or obesity for breastfed
and non-breastfed …